Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers are tumors that start in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck (for example, those inside the mouth, throat, and voice box). Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are the name for these cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas can start in the salivary glands, sinuses, muscles, or nerves in the head and neck, but these tumors are far less prevalent than squamous cell carcinomas.

Types Of Head and Neck Cancer

Oral cavity

Throat (pharynx)

Voicebox (larynx)

Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity

Salivary gland

Oral cavity

The lips, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the gums, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the floor (bottom) of the mouth under the tongue, the hard palate (bony top of the mouth), and the small area of gum behind the wisdom teeth are all included in this category.

Throat (pharynx)

The pharynx is a 5-inch-long hollow tube that runs from beneath the nose to the oesophagus. The nasopharynx (the upper part of the pharynx, behind the nose), the oropharynx (the middle part of the pharynx, comprising the soft palate [the back of the mouth], the base of the tongue, and the tonsils), and the hypopharynx (the lower section of the pharynx, including the tonsils and the tonsils) (the lower part of the pharynx).

Voicebox (larynx)

The voice box is a small channel in the neck produced by cartilage immediately below the pharynx. The vocal cords are housed in the voice box. It also features a small patch of tissue called the epiglottis that moves to cover the voice box and keep food out of the airways.

Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity

The paranasal sinuses, which surround the nose, are small hollow areas in the head's bones. Inside the nose, there is a hollow chamber called the nasal cavity.

Salivary gland

The main salivary glands are located on the mouth's floor and near the jawbone. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands. Minor salivary glands can be found all over the mouth and throat mucous membranes.

Causes Of Head And Neck Cancer

Consumption of alcohol, betel quid and tobacco

Infection with cancer causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV)

Exposure in risky areas

Radiation exposure

Underlying genetic disorders

Consumption of alcohol, betel quid and tobacco

These are the most significant risk factors for head and neck cancers, particularly oral cavity, hypopharyngeal, and voice box malignancies. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are more likely to get these cancers than people who just use one of the two. Tobacco and alcohol use are the leading causes of squamous cell carcinomas of the mouth and voice box in the head and neck. The usage of paan (betel quid) in the mouth, which is a common practice in Southeast Asia, has been linked to a higher risk of mouth cancer.

Infection with cancer causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV type 16 is linked to oropharyngeal malignancies involving the tonsils or the base of the tongue. The incidence of oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV infection is growing in the United States, whereas the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers caused by other causes is decreasing. Chronic HPV infection is responsible for almost three-quarters of all oropharyngeal malignancies. Although HPV can be found in other head and neck cancers, it appears to be the sole cause of oropharyngeal cancer. The causes for this remain a mystery.

Exposure in risky areas

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is linked to occupational wood dust exposure. Certain occupational exposures, such as asbestos and synthetic fibres, have been linked to voice box cancer, although the magnitude of the risk remains unknown. Construction, metal, textile, ceramic, logging, and food workers may be at a higher risk of voice box cancer. Cancers of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity are linked to occupational exposure to wood dust, nickel dust, or formaldehyde.

Radiation exposure

Exposure to radiation Radiation to the head and neck, whether for noncancerous or cancerous disorders, raises the chance of salivary gland cancer.

Underlying genetic disorders

Some genetic disorders, such as Fanconi anemia, can increase the risk of developing precancerous lesions and cancers early in life.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

A lump in the neck or a sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal and is uncomfortable, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice are all possible symptoms of head and neck cancer. Other, less dangerous illnesses can also cause these symptoms. Any of these symptoms should be checked out by a doctor or dentist.

Cancers of the head and neck can cause a variety of symptoms:

Oral cavity: A white or red spot on the gums, tongue, or mouth lining; a growth or swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become unpleasant; and unusual bleeding or discomfort in the mouth are all symptoms of the oral cavity.
Throat (pharynx): Pain when swallowing; persistent pain in the neck or throat; pain or ringing in the ears; or difficulty hearing.
Voicebox: Trouble breathing or speaking, pain when swallowing, or earache are all symptoms of the voice box (larynx).
Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity: Blockages in the sinuses that do not clear; chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotic therapy; bleeding through the nose; recurrent headaches, edoema, or other eye issues; pain in the upper teeth; or denture troubles.
Salivary gland: Swelling beneath the chin or around the jawbone, numbness or paralysis of the facial muscles, or persistent pain in the face, chin, or neck are all symptoms of salivary glands.

How You Diagnosis Your Head And Neck Cancer

Visual assessment of the oral and nasal cavities, neck, throat, and tongue with a tiny mirror and/or illumination may be part of the physical examination. A lump on the neck, lips, gums, or cheeks may be felt by the doctor.
Endoscopy is the examination of internal organs using a narrow, illuminated tube called an endoscope. The type of endoscope that the doctor uses is determined by the area that needs to be inspected. A laryngoscope, for example, is introduced into the mouth to examine the larynx; an esophagoscope is inserted into the mouth to examine the oesophagus; and a nasopharyngoscope is inserted into the nose to examine the nasal cavity and nasopharynx.
A CT (or CAT) scan is a sequence of detailed images of areas inside the head and neck produced by a computer connected to an x-ray machine.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) creates comprehensive images of locations inside the head and neck using a powerful magnet connected to a computer.
PET scans use sugar that has been changed in such a way that it is absorbed by cancer cells and shows up on the scan as dark patches.
Tissue is removed during a biopsy. To make a diagnosis, a pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. A biopsy is the only method to know for sure if someone has cancer.

Treatment

Surgery

Neck dissection

Reconstructive Surgery

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Radiation therapy

Systemic therapy

Chemotherapy

Targeted therapy

Surgery

Surgery is performed to determine the nature of the tumour. Aside from that, surgery is an option.

Neck dissection

This procedure is used to remove cancer from the lymph nodes in the neck.

Reconstructive Surgery

When cancer surgery necessitates the removal of major tissues, such as those in the jaw, skin, tongue, or pharynx, reconstructive surgery is performed to restore the patient's appearance and function of the affected area. Tissues from other parts of the body, such as the forearm, thigh, or chest, are used to replace the tissues removed from the head and neck region.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

In minimally invasive surgery, doctors use specialised instruments such as an endoscope, lasers, and energy devices that are linked to a surgical microscope and a robot to operate on tumours in the head and neck region. The main goal of minimally invasive surgery is to reduce tissue disruption and pain while performing safe and effective cancer surgery. The most significant advantage of this approach is that there is little or no change in speech, swallowing, or appearance following cancer surgery; this translates to a quicker recovery after treatment.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy most often uses X-rays, but protons or other types of energy also can be used. The term "radiation therapy" most often refers to external beam radiation therapy.

Systemic therapy

It acts on the entire body and helps in treating the cancerous growth wherever it is located.

Chemotherapy

Treatment that employs drugs to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, either by killing them or preventing them from dividing. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, chemotherapy may be administered orally, by injection or infusion, or through the skin.

Targeted therapy

It is a distinct type of cancer treatment that is based on tumour biology. It focuses on inhibiting tumour growth and metastasis by targeting the tumour microenvironment or specific proteins. The goal of specific molecular targeting in cancer treatment is to develop a "magic bullet" that kills cancer cells while leaving normal or healthy cells alone.

Head and neck Cancer Cost in India

Type of Cancer	India	US
Oral cancer	$6000	$40000
Laryngeal cancer	$4500	$32000
Nasopharyngeal cancer	$4000	$30000
Salivary gland cancer	$4000	$32000

FAQs

How can I check the lump in my neck?

Not all lumps in the neck point towards head and neck cancers. In most cases, these lumps could be swollen lymph nodes, which are caused due to infection or inflammation. However, if these lumps are persistent and do not go away after the inflammation is cured, you must immediately see your doctor who will be thoroughly examining these lumps before arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

What are the side effects of cancer treatment?

Different head and neck cancer treatments are associated with different side effects. Radiation therapy may lead to fatigue, weight loss, and pain with swallowing. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, may cause nausea, low blood counts, and changes in taste. A few side effects, like nausea, wear off as soon as the treatment ends. However, other side effects, like fatigue and discomfort with swallowing, take some time to improve.